Walter Collins

Walter "Wally" Collins was born on November 1, 1945 in Rockaway, New Jersey, the son of the late Ogden Stiles and Mayme Harvin Collins.

On July 26, 2004, he was united in marriage to Jewell Inez Coffman, who preceded her husband in death on February 15, 2024.

Walter loved animals and began working at the Dallas Zoo when he was 18 years old. He truly enjoyed the time he spent working there and would often tell others, "I love my job!" which was evident through the mutual love between him and the animals. He would go on to spend 32 years working there as a zookeeper until his retirement. He later worked for Pickwick State Golf Course for 17 years before he would retire again. Mr. Collins attended Center Hill Baptist Church in Counce, Tennessee. He loved to watch football and was a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He also enjoyed fishing and was an avid bowler for most of his life. Most of all, "Wally" loved his family and treasured the time he spent with them.

Walter "Wally" Collins departed this life on April 21, 2024 in Counce, Tennessee at the age of 78 years, 5 months, and 20 days.

He is survived by his sons, Owen Scott Collins and Craig Stiles Collins; daughter, Lisa Gayle Brown; brother, Owen Stuart Collins; grandchildren, Christy Jameson, Lauren Bryant, Sarah Harrison, Cameron Collins, and Emilee Collins; and 8 great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, Walter was preceded in death by his grandchild, Jayden Collins.